New Report: South Carolina Ranks Poorly for Lung Cancer Survival Rates

Lung cancer is the nation’s leading cause of cancer deaths, and it’s estimated that 4,460 South Carolina residents will be diagnosed with this disease in 2020 alone. The 2020 “State of Lung Cancer” report from the American Lung Association finds that while more Americans are surviving the disease, people of color are facing poorer health outcomes than white residents, and South Carolina can do more to improve lung cancer survival rates, access to screening and treatment for the disease.

The 3^rd annual “State of Lung Cancer” report examines the toll of lung cancer throughout the nation and outlines steps every state can take to better protect its residents from lung cancer. For the first time, this year’s report explores the lung cancer burden among racial and ethnic groups at the national and state levels.

This year’s “State of Lung Cancer” highlights the positive trend of increased lung cancer survival, as the nationwide five-year lung cancer survival rate of 22.6% reflects a 13% improvement over the past five years. South Carolina’s lung cancer survival rate is below the national average at 20.5%.

“While we celebrate that more Americans are surviving lung cancer, too many people are being left behind, and the disease still remains the leading cause of cancer deaths,” said June Deen, director of advocacy for the Lung Association. “Much more can and must be done in South Carolina to prevent the disease and support those facing the disease.”

The "State of Lung Cancer" report finds that the burden of lung cancer varies by state. By better understanding the impact of lung cancer across the nation, efforts and policies can be focused where the needs are greatest. Below are the key findings for South Carolina:

• Incidence: Incidence refers to the number of new cases of lung cancer in each state. The national lung cancer incidence rate is 58.7. South Carolina was ranked 36^th in the nation for lung cancer incidence (average) at a rate of 64.7 people out of 100,000 people.
• Survival: Lung cancer has one of the lowest five-year survival rates because cases are often diagnosed at later stages when it is less likely to be curable. South Carolina was ranked 32^nd in the nation (below average) at 20.5%.
• Early Diagnosis: Nationally, only 22.9% of cases are diagnosed at an early stage when the survival rate is much higher. South Carolina ranks 26^th in the nation (average) at 22.8%.
• Surgical Treatment: Lung cancer can often be treated with surgery if it is diagnosed at an early stage and has not spread widely. Nationally, 20.6% of cases underwent surgery. South Carolina ranks 28^th in the nation (below average) at 19%.
• Lack of Treatment: There are multiple reasons why patients may not receive treatment. Some of these reasons may be unavoidable, but no one should go untreated because of lack of provider or patient knowledge, stigma associated with lung cancer, fatalism after diagnosis, or cost of treatment. Nationally, about 15.2% of cases receive no treatment. South Carolina ranks 18^th in the nation (average) at 14.6%.
• Screening and Prevention: Greater uptake of lung cancer screening among those at high risk will have a positive impact on early detection and survival. Nationally, only 5.7% of those who qualify were screened. South Carolina ranked 33^rd in the nation (average) with 5.4%. 
• Health Disparities: The Lung Association believes that everyone deserves the opportunity to lead a full and healthy life. Sadly, many systemic issues have contributed to health disparities, including for those facing lung cancer. The report found that people of color who are diagnosed with lung cancer face worse outcomes compared to white Americans as they are less likely to be diagnosed early, less likely to receive surgical treatment, and more likely to receive no treatment. In South Carolina, Black Americans are least likely to receive surgical treatment.  

Learn more about "State of Lung Cancer" at Lung.org/solc. For media interested in speaking with a lung cancer expert about advances in lung cancer and the "State of Lung Cancer" 2020 report or lung cancer survivor about their experience, contact Jill Dale at the American Lung Association at [email protected] or 312-940-7001.